Antique French Striking Carriage Clock by Margaine

A handsome late Victorian French striking carriage clock, fitted with a quality twin-train movement by the respected Parisian maker Margaine, housed in a classic gilt-brass corniche case with bevelled glass to all sides and the original lever platform escapement visible through the top.

Maker & Movement

The movement is a French twin-train striking movement, the back plate clearly stamped MARGAINE and also bearing the personal trademark of Arsène Margaine within its lozenge cartouche. The presence of both the family name and the maker’s own mark confirms direct attribution to the Margaine workshop, one of the respected names in French carriage clock production during the latter half of the 19th century.

The clock strikes the hours and half-hours on a coiled gong, and retains its original lever platform escapement, visible and oscillating through the bevelled top glass. The rear plate is also marked “Aiguilles” at the hand-set arbor.

Retailer Signature

The enamel dial carries the retailer’s mark:

“Exam^d by [worn], 61 Strand, London”

The retailer’s name has worn with age and cannot be read with certainty, but the address — 61 Strand, London — points strongly to E. Dent & Co., one of the most celebrated horological firms in Victorian England and perhaps best known as the makers of the original Great Clock of Westminster, the mechanism behind Big Ben. Dent occupied 61 Strand throughout the latter half of the 19th century, and everything about this clock — the quality of the movement, the presence of Arsène Margaine’s personal maker’s mark, and the format of the dial signature — is consistent with their trade. We are confident this is a Dent-retailed example, though we present it honestly as unconfirmed given the worn state of the inscription.

Service & Condition

The movement has been fully serviced here at Mahn & Co. It has been stripped to component level, ultrasonically cleaned, inspected, reassembled, lubricated with Novostar oil and bench-tested over several days. The clock is running well and striking correctly.

The case has been cleaned and gently polished to conservation standard, preserving its original mellow gilt finish rather than over-polishing it. There is age-related wear, light tarnishing and mellow patina to the gilt brass, as expected and welcomed on an antique carriage clock of this period.

The enamel dial remains presentable but shows age-related hairline cracking, including a visible crack to the upper right corner. The bevelled glass panels are all present and display well. These honest signs of age are reflected in the description and are typical of a clock of this period.

Dimensions

Included

Supplied with a suitable winding key.

Every clock we sell is carefully selected, serviced on the bench where required, and described honestly. The focus is always on originality, mechanical reliability and historic charm. This Margaine carriage clock is a highly attractive Victorian piece, bearing the personal trademark of Arsène Margaine, a strong association with the prestigious 61 Strand address almost certainly occupied by E. Dent & Co., an original lever platform escapement and a wonderfully authentic antique appearance.